Say it like this
- That's a classic anti-pattern.
- We should avoid this anti-pattern in our codebase.
- This code smells like an anti-pattern to me.
Use it at work
In a code review
- Catching every exception here is an anti-pattern.
- This looks like the god-object anti-pattern. Can we split it?
In a design review
- Sharing one database between services is an anti-pattern for us.
- Let's avoid that anti-pattern before it spreads.
Teaching others
- Here's a list of anti-patterns we've seen in our tests.
- Copy-pasting config across repos became an anti-pattern.
Don't say this
Anti-pattern is a noun describing a problem, not a verb describing an action. You identify or avoid anti-patterns, not perform them.
Don't mix it up
| Term | What it is | Who writes or uses it | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| anti-pattern | Common fix that causes more problems | Engineers | When you review designs or code |
| best practice | Proven good way to do something | Engineers, teams | When you plan work |
| code smell | Sign that code may have a problem | Reviewers | During code review |
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your colleague wrote code with tight coupling. What do you say?
2. Using global variables is considered a common _______ in modern software engineering.
3. Which sentence uses 'anti-pattern' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite using 'anti-pattern': 'This way of writing the code is bad because many people do it wrong and it causes problems later.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"That's a classic anti-pattern."
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More about anti-pattern
Real examples(3)
- in a code review
"I think using a God Object here is an anti-pattern. Can we break this class into smaller, more focused components?"
- in a team meeting
"We need to refactor this module because it exhibits the anti-pattern of catching all exceptions without proper handling."
- in a standup
"The authentication system currently uses global variables, which is a known anti-pattern we should fix next sprint."
More mistakes(1)
Handle with care. Anti-pattern is not a verb. Do not say 'we anti-patterned the code.' It describes a solution, not an action to take.
- ✕Using design patterns is the same as avoiding anti-patterns.✓Using design patterns helps prevent anti-patterns, but they're not the same thing.
Design patterns are proven solutions; anti-patterns are proven problems. One is what to do; the other is what to avoid.
Other forms(3)
- anti-pattern noun
"The tight coupling in this module is a classic anti-pattern."
- anti-patterns noun (plural)
"We documented five common anti-patterns in our style guide."
- anti-pattern (attributive) adjective
"This is anti-pattern code that needs refactoring."
Often used with(5)
- classic anti-pattern · Used to describe a well-known, frequently-seen anti-pattern.
- common anti-pattern · Used to describe anti-patterns that occur frequently in projects.
- avoid an anti-pattern · To prevent using a known problematic solution.
- recognize an anti-pattern · To identify when code exhibits anti-pattern characteristics.
- anti-pattern example · A specific instance of how an anti-pattern appears in code.
Similar words(2)
- code smell · Broader term for any suspicious code; anti-pattern is more specific about repeating bad solutions.
- bad practice · General term; anti-pattern specifically refers to recurring, documented bad practices.
Opposites(2)
- design pattern
- best practice
Questions(5)
- What does anti-pattern mean in software engineering?
- An anti-pattern is a common but problematic solution to a software design or coding problem. It looks like it works initially but creates more problems than it solves, such as maintenance issues, poor performance, or increased bugs. Anti-patterns are the opposite of design patterns, which are proven good solutions.
- How do you use anti-pattern in a sentence at work?
- You use it as a noun to describe a recurring bad practice. For example: 'Storing sensitive data in plain text is an anti-pattern we must avoid' or 'We identified the God Object anti-pattern in the authentication module.' You can also use it attributively: 'This anti-pattern code needs refactoring.'
- Is anti-pattern formal or informal?
- Anti-pattern is neutral and professional, used equally in formal code reviews, technical documentation, team meetings, and informal discussions. It is a standard term in software engineering education and industry, so it is appropriate for all professional contexts.
- What are some examples of common anti-patterns?
- Common anti-patterns include: the God Object (a class that does too much), tight coupling (modules that depend too heavily on each other), global variables, catching all exceptions without handling them, and the Singleton pattern used incorrectly. Knowing these helps you recognize and avoid them in your code.
- How is anti-pattern different from a design pattern?
- A design pattern is a tested, proven solution to a common software problem that improves code quality. An anti-pattern is a recurring solution that initially seems good but causes problems. Design patterns are best practices; anti-patterns are practices to avoid.
